Athletic Training Degree - Pennsylvania

Become certified to prevent, diagnose and rehabilitate injuries as an athletic trainer.

As a graduate student in pursing an athletic training degree at California University of Pennsylvania, you'll develop the knowledge and clinical skills required for a career as an athletic trainer. Cal U's accredited Master's in Athletic Training Degree program takes a hands-on, multifaceted approach to preparing students for certification and a career in this fast-growing occupation.

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventive care, emergency response and clinical examination and diagnosis of injuries, along with therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation services.

Athletic training is recognized as an allied healthcare profession by the American Medical Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Gain clinical skills as you prepare for certification exams.

Students in Cal U's athletic trainer degree program develop clinical skills in areas such as casting, manual therapies, therapeutic interventions, pharmacology and advanced sports nutrition. They complete two cadaver dissection courses, which provide a foundational understanding of human anatomy.

Courses for the second summer and fall semseters are taken online. All other courses are held on Cal U's main campus.

Athletic trainer degree students who complete the course ATE 750, Orthopedic Appliances: Casting and Bracing, will be eligible to take the certification exam offered by the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals to become a Registered Orthopedic Technologist (ROT).

By 2022, anyone seeking certification in athletic training will be required to hold a graduate-level degree. Students who complete Cal U's M.S. in Athletic Training will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam, the Board of Certification (BOC) exam, to obtain athletic training certification. A successful candidate then has the ability to obtain a state medical license to practice as an athletic trainer.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons to get a Master's Degree in Athletic Training

Request Info Apply Now Visit Campus

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: ATHLETIC TRAINING

Clinical experience: Each semester, students are engaged in a variety of clinical education experiences. In the second year of Cal U's master's degree program in athletic training, students engage in clinical immersion at a wide variety of affiliated sites; potential sites include the NFL, NBA, Disney Wide World of Sports and UPMC Health Systems, among others. This allows graduate students to gain additional hands-on clinical experience working with athletic injuries as they progress toward completion of the degree.

Accredited program: California University of Pennsylvania’s Athletic Training Program is currently on probation by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101. The program has chosen to Voluntarily Withdraw its Accreditation effective May 9, 2021. The program will remain on probation until the Withdraw is effective and the program is closed.

The program intends to apply for initial accreditation of the new Professional Master’s of Science in Athletic Training degree after the current bachelor’s program is dissolved.

Learn More

22^%

Projected increase in athletic training jobs between 2014 and 2024, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2+2

Complete this graduate degree program in two academic years plus two summer sessions.

Degree Benefits

Students in the master's degree program in athletic training have access to top athletic training facilities in Cal U's Hamer Hall, Convocation Center, Adamson Stadium and Phillipsburg soccer complex. Athletic training equipment includes a Biodex isokinetic system, a SwimEx therapy pool, and the latest in modalities and therapeutic exercise equipment. Athletic training students have multiple opportunities to engage in scholarly research, including a research project capstone or thesis, and to apply for grant funding and/or submit their research for publication or presentation.

Graduate Outcomes

Students graduate from the M.S. in Athletic Training program with applied, hands-on experience. Throughout this graduate degree program, you'll engage in clinical education rotations with groups ranging from Cal U intercollegiate athletics and club sports to athletic teams at local high schools and colleges. You also may gain experience with affiliates including professional sports organizations and health systems. Networking opportunities are available through alumni gatherings, professional events and the Athletic Training Student Organization.

Athletic Training (M.S.)

Athletic training masters degree program

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for certified athletic trainers is expected to grow as people become more aware of the effects of sports-related injuries and Americans remain active as they age. Cal U graduates who are certified in athletic training may find employment in:

High schools, colleges or universities.
Professional sports franchises.
Clinics or physicians' offices.
Military or industrial settings.
Companies that provide assistive orthopedic devices.
Nontraditional settings such as performing arts, motocross or bull riding venues.

Alumni Success

Athletic training graduate Gordon William '06 has built his career with the National Football League. He was employed with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2006-2009 and now is an assistant athletic trainer with the Cleveland Browns. Kelly Pagnotta '08 went on to earn advanced degrees at the University of Connecticut. Now she's an assistant professor at Temple University and the primary instructor for the Doctor of Athletic Training program.

View more success stories

Master of Science in Athletic Training Courses

Students in this master's degree program take some courses on campus, including clinical skills labs and two cadaver anatomy dissection courses. Courses in the second summer and fall terms will be taken online while engaging in clinical practicums.

Curriculum

Course	Credits
ATE 600 Cadaver Anatomy Dissection	4
ATE 603 Foundations of Athletic Training	2
ATE 610 Clinical Skills in Athletic Training	2
ATE 615 Emergency Care & Lab	3
ATE 630 Therapeutic Interventions II & Lab	4
ATE 635 Examination of the Lower Extremity & Lab	3
ATE 650 Head & Spine Cadaver Anatomy Dissection	2
ATE 655 Examination of the Head & Spine & Lab	2
ATE 660 Principles of Research	2
ATE 661 Research Project I	2
ATE 665 Examination of the Upper Extremity & Lab	3
ATE 670 Practicum I	2
ATE 673 Practicum II	2
ATE 690 Therapeutic Interventions I & Lab	4
ATE 715 Clinical Pathologies	3
ATE 723 Administration in Athletic Training (Online)	2
ATE 740 Advanced Nutrition for Sport & Exercise	2
ATE 744 Pharmacology (Online)	2
ATE 750 Orthopedic Appliances: Casting & Bracing	1
ATE 760 Research Project II (Online)	2
ATE 761 Research Project Capstone OR RES 849 Thesis	3 or 4
ATE 772 Clinical Immersion (Online)	2
ATE 774 Practicum III (Online)	2
ATE 776 Practicum IV	2
ATE 781 Complementary & Alternative Therapies with Lab	2
EDP 600 Statistical Methods	3
Total	63 or 64

Admission Requirements

California University of Pennsylvania's Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program is a 63-credit curriculum that takes a hands-on, multifaceted approach to preparing students for certification. Graduate students in this hybrid master's degree program take some courses on Cal U's campus, including clinical skills labs and two cadaver anatomy dissection courses, examination, and therapeutic intervention courses and one semester, students take courses online while engaging in a clinical practicum. Additionally, in the second summer semester students are engaged in an off-campus clinical immersion experience.

Students develop an advance skillset in the areas of:

casting and splinting
advanced manual therapy techniques
alternative therapies

Admission Requirements:

The following are the three routes to admission:

Traditional 2-year, post-baccalaureate degree

A student who has already completed a bachelor’s degree and meets the requirements for graduate application. Students can have earned any undergraduate degree, however a discipline related to the health science field is strongly encouraged as they are more likely to fulfill the prerequisites for the MSAT Program.

Early Entry (3+2, internal applicants)

Internal students will major in Pre-Athletic Training and complete undergraduate prerequisite courswork. During their final undergraduate term, spring semester-year 3, student will apply to the MSAT Program.

Early Admission Assurance

Pre-Athletic Training Students can apply for Admission Assurance during the spring semester of their first or second year. This admission guarantees the student a spot in the MSAT Program pending meeting certain academic requirements. To be considered for the Early Admission Assurance Program, student must be admitted into CalU, pursuing an undergraduate degree and meet the following criteria:

· Cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale)

· 1100 SAT or 22 ACT scores

· Declare pre-athletic training as their major by March, year 1

Once admitted to the Early Admission Assurance program, students must meet with following academic standards and requirements to keep the guaranteed status into the MSAT program.

· Maintain cumulative GPA 3.25

· Earn ‘B-‘ or better in program prerequisite courses

Students who maintain these qualifications will also get first preference in their initial clinical rotation.

In the spring of their 3^rd year, students will need to submit all other program application materials to complete the application process.

A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
A combined 3.00 GPA or better in all prerequisite coursework and earn a C+ or better in each prerequisite course
- Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Health, Kinesiology/Biomechanics, Nutrition, Psychology, Statistics, and Physics
Earned a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits
Official transcripts from an accredited institution
Submit two letters of recommendation

Program Requirements:

Submit proof of immunization
Complete a minimum of 30 clinical observations hours, across three different rotations
Provide verification of CPR/AED certification
Signed Technical Standards form
Hepatitis B Waiver form
Act 34 Clearance (Pa. Criminal History)
Act 114 Clearance (Federal Criminal History/ FBI fingerprinting background check)
Act 151 Clearance (Child Abuse)

Applicants must meet the admissions criteria (or be currently enrolled in the remaining prerequisites).

*Applicants interested in our program only have to complete the ATCAS application. You DO NOT need to complete a separate application Cal U. However, your admissions decision and your intent to enroll with be processed by Cal U Graduate Admissions.

In the Program Documents section you are asked to upload 3 clearances. This is in accordance with the commonwealth of PA and Department of Education because our students will be engaged in clinical/field experiences in the presence of minors.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact the Program Director:

Dr. Kayla Shinew
shinew@calu.edu
724.938.4823

If you have questions regarding your Admission to Cal U, please contact Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions
gradschool@calu.edu
724.938.4187

Accreditation and Other Information

Technical Standards for Admission

View technical standards for admission

Policies and Procedures

View the M.S. in Athletic Training Policies and Procedures Manual

View the B.S. in Athletic Training Policies and Procedures Manual

BOC Data, Retention Rates and Retentions Rates

	Class of 2018	Class of 2017	Class of 2016
BOC Data
Number of students graduating from the program	13	17	19
Number of students graduating from the program who took the BOC exam	12	16	18
Number of students who passed the BOC exam on the 1st attempt	7	10	14
Percentage of students who pass the BOC exam on the 1st attempt	58%	63%	78%	3-Year Aggregate = 66%
Number of students who passed the BOC exam regardless of the number of attempts	9	12	18
Percentage of students who passed the BOC exam regardless of the number of attempts	75%	75%	100%

Retention Rates	Class of 2018	Class of 2017	Class of 2016
Number of students admitted into the professional program (to begin professional program, sophomore year)	13	18	19
Retention Rate (%)	100.00%	94.44%	100.00%
Number of students returning for junior year	13	17	19
Retention Rate (%)	100.00%	94.44%	100.00%
Number of students returning for senior year	13	17	19
Retention Rate (%)	100.00%	94.44%	100.00%

Graduation Rates
Number of students admitted into the professional program	13	18	19
Number of student who completed the professional program (ie graduated)	13	17	19
Percentage of students who completed the program	100%	94%	100%

Employment Rates (within 6-months of graduation)
Number of students employed as AT	6	7	11
Student employment rate as AT (%)	46%	44%	58%
Number of students employed as other	3	4	0
Student employment as other (%)	23%	25%	0%
Number of students not employed	4	3	8
Student not employed rate (%)	31%	19%	42%

Athletic Training Degree Faculty

Dr. Shelly Fetchen DiCesaro

Associate Professor/Chair of the Department of Health Science/Program Director, Graduate Athletic Training Program/Athletic Trainer, Women's Basketball

dicesaro@calu.edu

View profile

Mindi Fisher

Instructor/Athletic Trainer for Football

fisher@calu.edu

View profile

Jeff Giovannucci

Instructor/Athletic Trainer for Track and Field

giovannucci@calu.edu

View profile

Dr. Kayla Shinew

Athletic Training Program Director